A low angle shot of a mountain river with rocks and trees along its shores.

Coal mining helps bridge the two solitudes

At the end of the Second World War, Canadian author Hugh MacLennan wrote a novel called Two Solitudes, which described the lack of communication and understanding between French and English Canadians. Currently, divides have opened up on many new fronts. Silos have formed based on political, economic, racial, national and gender issues, while social media […] Read more

PTx Trimble’s new WM-FieldForm system allows farmers to complete drainage operations from initial planning and mapping right through to the implement control necessary to carry out drainage plans. | PTx Trimble photo

PTx Trimble introduces new technology

WM-FieldForm allows for mapping and implement control with new displays that have faster auto-design features

PTx Trimble, now a part of Agco, introduced a new digital system in mid-November for creating topographical field maps, drainage plans and the necessary software and hardware to control implements to carry out those plans. WM-FieldForm is capable of controlling a single scraper to shape field surfaces. It is the first water management system from […] Read more

Conservationist and farmer Lorne Scott and Kerri Finlay from the University of Regina are appealing to the Saskatchewan government for a wetland policy.  |  Karen Briere photo

Wetland advocates hoped Sask. election would talk water

REGINA — A group pushing for a wetland policy says it should have been a Saskatchewan election issue. Wetlands for Tomorrow includes scientists, farmers and conservationists. Last week at a news conference near Wascana Lake in Regina, spokespersons said everyone should work together toward a common goal of water quality. “The province of Saskatchewan really […] Read more


An aboiteau, or one-way sluice, holds back salt water from the Bay of Fundy, keeping it off farmland and away from communities.  |  Karen Briere photo

Old water management concept continues to work

Nova Scotia producers who farm near the Bay of Fundy still use a dike system that was initially built 400 years ago


MASSTOWN, N.S. — Agricultural water management in Nova Scotia relies on a centuries-old method of keeping salt water at bay. The province’s dikeland system was established about 400 years ago and is still in use on tidal rivers in the Bay of Fundy area. It protects about 45,000 acres of farmland, as well as critical […] Read more

Consult with farmers as keepers of land, water

Consult with farmers as keepers of land, water

The Canada Water Agency became official earlier this month, and the agricultural community appears to be on board. “With them being located here in our own backyard, KAP will have a unique opportunity to be on the ground and bring forward the perspectives of Manitoba producers to help inform their work,” Brenna Mahoney, general manager […] Read more


The agriculture industry says Saskatchewan is behind other jurisdictions in terms of education about water management, and there is a need for “one big table” where everyone involved in water can discuss issues.  |  Karen Briere photo

Network promotes better farm drainage communication

Farmer-led initiative says producers, public need better information about how to handle too much or too little water

REGINA — A new collaboration in Saskatchewan is meant to improve communication about agricultural water. The Saskatchewan Drainage Extension Network (SK DEN) is a partnership led by farmers and farm organizations who want water better managed. Related story: Landowners struggle with unapproved drainage “When it comes to drainage management and irrigation, I think we have […] Read more

Lane Mountney stands near the adequate outlet of a planned 28-quarter drainage project in the Rural Municipality of Wawken in southeastern Saskatchewan. He opposes the project, but his land has been designated as the adequate outlet. |  Karen Briere photo

Landowners struggle with unapproved drainage

Water quality is the latest concern for one Saskatchewan downstream landowner who receives water from a large area

WAWOTA, Sask. — Lane Mountney doesn’t want his neighbours’ water. However, one quarter section of his land in southeastern Saskatchewan was designated the adequate outlet for a 28-quarter drainage project and, even though the Water Security Agency hasn’t approved the project, the water has already started to arrive. Related story: Network promotes better farm drainage […] Read more

Senator Rob Black discusses the important role the recently released Critical Ground report could play for soil health and protection at Canada's Outdoor Farm Show, Sept. 11, 2024. | Diana Martin photo

Critical Ground highlights the need for research during Canada’s Outdoor Farm Show

Report advocates for soil to be designated and protected as a national resource

Glacier FarmMedia – Under a blazing sun, Senator Rob Black shared insights from the recently released soil study “Critical Ground.” The senator spoke metres from the Ontario Soil and Crop Improvement Association’s soil pit, displaying the challenges and benefits of soil health during Canada’s Outdoor Farm Show on Sept. 11. Related stories: The Latest News […] Read more


In Alberta’s Water Act a licence with an earlier priority number is considered more senior than one with a later assigned number, which is called a junior licence. This allows a senior licensee to stall a junior licence holder’s allotment until they take their own.  |  File photo

Don’t fear FITFIR, says Alberta water expert

Glacier FarmMedia – Alberta river and reservoir levels remain lower than normal and water availability continues to worry irrigators. Will there be enough water to go around? What happens if there isn’t? Answers can be found in the province’s current Water Act, passed in 1999, which contains the same “first in time, first in right” […] Read more

Saskatchewan’s provincial auditor said some drainage projects in the province do not include mitigation measures that address flooding, water quality and wildlife habitat concerns.  |  File photo

Sask. auditor urges WSA to finalize water, wetland policies

REGINA — Saskatchewan’s provincial auditor said the Water Security Agency is making progress toward implementing recommendations made in 2018 about how it regulates agricultural drainage. However, it still hasn’t finalized its water quality and wetland retention requirements, which Tara Clemett said should be in place before drainage is approved. The auditor said there are risks […] Read more